The Tiger Recovery Project aims to restore a viable and self-sustaining tiger population in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve through a scientifically planned conservation approach. The major objectives include habitat recovery and prey augmentation, long-term monitoring of tigers, co-predators, prey populations, and habitat conditions, conservation and restoration of wildlife corridors to enhance landscape connectivity, and community engagement through conservation education, assessment of human-wildlife interactions, and evaluation of ecosystem services across the landscape.

Active Tiger Recovery Programme

    Building on the scientific foundation established during Phase I, the project entered its Active Tiger Recovery Phase during 2025–2026. Based on the recommendations of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), three founder tigresses were selected for translocation to establish a breeding population in Sahyadri Tiger Reserve. Two tigresses (STR-T4 and STR-T5) were translocated from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, while the third tigress (STR-T6) was translocated from Pench Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra. The selection was based on reproductive age, health status, genetic suitability,

behavioural adaptability, and compatibility with the recipient habitat. Prior to translocation, each tigress underwent comprehensive veterinary examination, disease screening, and was fitted with satellite-GPS/VHF radio collars for long-term monitoring.

   The tigresses were transported in specially designed transport crates under the supervision of wildlife veterinarians and technical experts. Upon arrival, STR-T4 and STR-T5 were placed in specially constructed acclimatization (soft-release) enclosures, where their health, feeding behaviour, stress levels, and adaptation to the new environment were closely monitored before release. Following successful acclimatization, both tigresses were soft released into the wild. In contrast, STR-T6, translocated from Pench Tiger Reserve, was hard released directly into suitable habitat based on expert assessment and site conditions.

   Following their release, all founder tigresses are being intensively monitored using satellite-GPS collars, VHF telemetry, camera traps, and ground-based tracking. Monitoring focuses on movements, habitat use, prey utilization, survival, dispersal, and adaptation to the landscape. Simultaneously, habitat management interventions, including prey augmentation, anti-poaching measures, ecological monitoring, and capacity building of frontline staff, are being implemented to improve habitat quality and protection. Community engagement, conservation awareness, and socio-economic assessments are also integral components of the programme, promoting coexistence between people and wildlife. Together, these integrated conservation actions are aimed at restoring a self-sustaining tiger population and strengthening ecological connectivity across the northern Western Ghats.